Dogs can experience a lot of the same oral health issues as humans, despite the common misconception that their teeth are not the same. Cavities are one of these; they are tiny holes or flaws in teeth.
We go through the facts about dog cavities, including what they are, how they're diagnosed, and how to keep your dog from getting one.
What do dental cavities in dogs mean?
Dog tooth cavities are tiny holes in the tooth brought on by decay. They typically show up when bacteria accumulate in the dog's mouth. Once bacteria have begun to accumulate, they release an acid that, if unchecked, erodes a dog's teeth and depletes the calcium that is typically present in the tooth enamel. The tooth starts to deteriorate and may start to show little holes or cavities after the calcium is gone.
The good thing for pet parents is that canine tooth decay is less common than human tooth decay. This is partially due to the dental anatomy of dogs. The teeth in our mouths are flat on the sides and tops and are shaped like a horizontal crown in humans. Food deposits can naturally lodge in and between teeth because of their structure, which may promote the growth of bacteria.
The majority of canines' teeth are distinct and have a pointed cone-like form. Because of their canonical form, food deposits are less likely to remain on the surface of the teeth, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. The molar teeth in the back of the mouth are the only exception to this rule. Additionally, dogs' saliva has a pH that is more alkaline, which may help lower acids and the likelihood of dog cavities.
Despite this, bacteria or cavities can still develop in your dog's mouth, so it's critical to maintain proper dental hygiene practices and undertake routine examinations to look for any problems.
What does a cavity look like in a dog?
It can be challenging for pet owners to identify dog cavities. You should look for any little, darker holes that might occur on your dog's teeth when checking for cavities. The actual holes themselves often have a small appearance on the exterior and may enlarge inside the tooth.
What are the stages of a dog's cavity?
What are the stages of a dog's cavity?
Your veterinarian must first determine the extent of the cavity or the harm it has caused before diagnosing a cavity in a dog. This typically calls for the use of some sort of probe and can necessitate doing so while sedated. Your dog's veterinarian will then diagnose the stage of the oral cavity in your dog. This phase will be among the five subsequent stages:
Stage 1: Enamel just becomes impacted.
Stage 2: Affected dentine or enamel
Stage 3: Affected pulp chamber, dentine, or enamel
Stage 4: Damage to the structural crown is
Stage 5: Roots are seen; much of the crown is gone.
The veterinarian can then choose the best course of action, which may involve extracting the afflicted tooth.
How can I help my dog recover from dental surgery?
So you will need to keep a close eye on your dog's mouth and behavior if they have undergone surgery because of a cavity. You should let your veterinarian know if you see anything out of the ordinary with either of these, so they can offer you more guidance. Examining the region of your dog's mouth that has had treatment requires special attention. Your dog will probably be prescribed painkillers or antibiotics following surgery. Additionally, your veterinarian might advise you to change your dog's diet for several days following the procedure.
After the procedure, it's crucial for you to make certain that the pet has a planned follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing.
Stopping dental cavities in dogs
Establishing a healthy dental routine for your dog is the best method to lower the likelihood that they may develop cavities in their mouths. This entails giving your dog dental chews and brushing their teeth on a regular basis.
Related Post: